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Mayoral Relief Fund renamed in honour of former New Plymouth Mayor David Lean

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PUBLISHED: 24 OCT 2025
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In one of his first acts, Mayor-elect Max Brough is renaming the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) Mayoral Relief Fund to the David Lean Memorial Mayoral Relief Fund.

New Plymouth Mayor from 1980 to 1992, David, affectionately known as Daisy, passed away earlier this year.

Max considers it a fitting tribute to a local hero of his day, who gave selflessly to the district and the people that lived here, both then and right up until his passing.

“We are honoured that his wife Janet, and family, have permitted us to use his name to continue the legacy.”

He says times are getting tougher again, and the need for relief is growing.

“Daisy would consider it imperative we assist and in doing so, we intend to honour his memory.”

NPDC will continue to contribute each year as part of its ongoing commitment to the fund.

The community is also welcome to contribute so that any future Mayors will be able to assist people in a manner that Daisy would have considered his duty.

The fund is open for contributions, which can be made in his name into an account held at another great local institution Daisy was so proud of, TSB. The details are:

Payee name:  New Plymouth District Council.
Account #:     15-3942-0000657-000.

David Lean was instrumental in many of New Plymouth district’s key achievements during his illustrious career including a pioneering wastewater treatment plant, the first of its kind in New Zealand, that is still upheld today as a defining memory.

Many will recall the bold fundraising initiative that helped bring TSB Stadium and (what is now known as) the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre to life - the circumnavigation of New Zealand in inflatable rescue boats (IRBs).

“Among Daisy’s many contributions, one that’s less frequently remembered, and for me is the most valuable legacy he left for the people of Taranaki, is TSB Bank,” says Max

“The circumstances of amalgamating regional savings banks were one many Taranaki people were not happy with. A group, led by the mayor of the day, David Lean, successfully fought this off.”

Today this has developed into a local powerhouse. TSB Bank, Fisher Funds, and Toi Foundation that is the envy of the other regions.

“This would not have been able to exist without the foresight and courage of conviction from one of our most popular mayors. So, renaming this fund is a way to thank him and honour his memory.”

Find out more about the David Lean Memorial Mayoral Relief Fund.

Caption: New Plymouth District Mayor-elect Max Brough with Janet Lean, wife of the late David Lean.

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Page last updated: 10:09am Tue 28 October 2025

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